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Here’s why the CFMOTO 700 CL-X is one of the best value for money neo-retro bikes in the market

The 700 CL-X, in both Sport and Heritage trim, is the undisputed king when it comes to value for money.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Jul 25, 2022
CFMOTO 700 CL-X

The Chinese manufacturer CFMOTO introduced the 700 CL-X Sport to the local market earlier this year, bringing premium performance and endearing, vintage appearance to a larger proportion of riders. Sporting the newest and finest technology from CFMOTO, the 700 CL-X platform delivers middleweight performance and technology in a platform that promises to give a pleasant and engaging ride.

Three versions of the CL-X—the Heritage, Sport, and ADV—were debuted when CFMOTO introduced the CL-X to the world market. Since the Heritage and Sport versions are currently on the market, it appears that the ADV will be the next bike in line. So let's use what we have right now and talk about why the 700 CL-X model range is among the most value-packed in the neo-retro market and even the entire middleweight street bike category.

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Performance

CFMOTO 700 CL-X

Both the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage and Sport are equipped with the same 693cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine. This particular motor is equipped with a 180-degree crankshaft, and is rated at around 70 horsepower. This puts it at the same level of performance as the likes of the Yamaha XSR700 and Kawasaki Z650 RS. Having spent a good amount of time with the CFMOTO 700 CL-X, we can definitively say that this bike punches well above its price bracket. 

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2021 CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage Review

Next-level features

CFMOTO 700 CL-X

Complementing the decent engine, CFMOTO has thrown in a bunch of high-end features on the 700 CL-X. For starters, it gets KYB suspension and Bosch EFI tech, with the Sport bringing it up a notch with full adjustable suspension and fancy Brembo monoblock brakes. What’s even better is that CFMOTO has thrown in some electronic features that put other bikes in the category to shame, such as cruise control and self-canceling turn signals. Last but not least, a full suite of fancy LED lights and a digital instrument cluster give the bike a thoroughly fresh, albeit retro-styled essence.

Head-turning styling

CFMOTO 700 CL-X

Last but not least, we can expect nothing but head-turning styling from CFMOTO’s neo-retro model range. Both the Heritage and Sport offer different spins on the instantly recognizable design. For starters, the Heritage gives off a more rugged and vintage aesthetic, thanks to its more neutral stance and 18-inch tire, and is CFMOTO’s take on a neo-retro scrambler. The Sport, on the other hand, goes full-on with the cafe-racer look, adding a sporty appeal with low-slung clip-ons, dual disc brakes, a cropped tail, and a striking color scheme that makes it look like its moving fast just sitting still. 

Related:
2022 CFMOTO 700 CL-X Sport Review

Unbeatable price tag

CFMOTO 700 CL-X

With the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage priced at P369,800, and the Sport retailing for P399,800, it goes without saying that the two are the most affordable in the 650cc to 700cc middleweight naked bike segment. On top of that, they put on offer features that you’d more commonly find on machines priced upwards of P500,000. That being said, the fact that CFMOTO is considered by some as a brand that still has something to prove could be a reason for this very competitive pricing. Nevertheless, the years have proven CFMOTO’s worth as a formidable contender in the entry-level segment. This time around, it wants to make a name for itself in the premium market, and so far, it’s been doing a really good job at this.

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